Framework for the next high speed broadband network

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Coonan has welcomed the release of draft guidelines from the Expert Taskforce for public comment.

The task force was put together to work a competitive assessment process to build a high speed broadband network in Australia’s capital cities and major regional centres.

According to Coonan, the draft guidelines are now available for industry and public comment and all stakeholders are encourageed to make their views known to the Expert Taskforce. After this consultation, the guidelines will be finalised and industry will then have four months to develop their proposals for a high speed broadband network.

Senator Coonan said industry proposals should outline price and non-price terms, as well as the conditions of access and identify the regulatory conditions required.

“The Government will then legislate to provide the regulatory settings that are necessary to enable the network to be built," she said.

While the guidelines do not specify that the high speed network must be a fibre-to-the-node network. It could contain a fibre-to-the-home upgrade path or another alternative high speed broadband platform.

“But fibre-to-the-node appears to be the most likely prospect based on the strong interest from industry in a fibre network build,” she said.

Senator Coonan encouraged all interested parties to review the draft guidelines, which include a proposal form, and submit their comments for consideration by the Expert Taskforce.

Draft guidelines are available at www.dcita.gov.au/Expert_Taskforce. Submissions on the draft Guidelines are due with the Expert Taskforce by close of business Wednesday, 29 August.